The Great Lakes are crucial to Michigan’s culture and economic vitality. Explore how the Great Lakes are intertwined with our way of life through land use, jobs reports, water access, coastal development and more.

It is important to be aware of potential Great Lakes hazards like dangerous currents, extreme storms and floods, harmful algal blooms and boater safety. The best way to combat these dangers is to be prepared and know how to respond.

The red swamp crayfish is widely available from southern fish farms and they are sold alive by food markets, pet stores, and biological suppliers. Anglers had evidently been buying crayfish intended for food or other uses, and then using them as bait. State law was changed in 2014 to prohibit possession of live red swamp crayfish, regardless of intended use.